Spring 2026 Class Descriptions: Electives
Water Law (LWEV511)
Instructor(s): Nilmini Silva-Send
2 credit(s), Letter Graded
Concentration(s): Environmental and Energy Law (JD), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMUS), Environmental and Energy Law (LLMG), Environmental and Energy Law (MSLS)
California water law and policy is complex and fascinating. From water rights derived originally from English common law, various doctrines and practices have evolved - prior appropriation and limitations, prescriptive water rights, the reasonable use doctrine, the public trust doctrine, equitable apportionment and the doctrine of physical solution.
After an overview of water supply and the demand from growing urban users versus agricultural users, we will examine many of these doctrines in their application to surface and groundwater, review the role of the State Water Resources Control Board, and review points of intersection with federal water law and agencies. Finally, we will examine a few important legal conflicts related to California: the dam removal projects on the Klamath River, the legal issues surrounding the supply of water from the Colorado River, and the management of the Bay Delta. Grades for this course will be dependent on a final exam and in class participation.
White Collar Crime (LWBC595)
Instructor(s): Erin Sheley
3 credit(s), Letter Graded
Requirement(s): Writing
Concentration(s): Business and Corporate Law (JD), Criminal Litigation (JD), LLM in Business and Corporate Law (LLMB), Business and Corporate Law (LLMUS), Criminal Law (LLMUS), Criminal Law (LLMG), Business and Corporate Law (MSLS), Criminal Law (MSLS)
The course offers an overview of the most significant federal “white collar” crimes, with a pragmatic focus on how to investigate, prosecute and defend such cases. We place a heavy emphasis on interpreting and applying criminal statutes. In addition to the traditional Socratic methodology, we use real-world hypotheticals to help students gauge their understanding throughout the semester. The course is geared toward students interested in pursuing careers as prosecutors or criminal defense attorneys, as well as those who may represent corporate clients generally. The paper will count as 80% of the final grade; the remaining 20% will be based on class participation.
Note: Students may only elect this course or Federal Crimes to count toward the Criminal Litigation Concentration (JD).
Additional Information: Criminal Litigation Concentration (JD)